IDAHO Day services held in cathedrals at Cork and Dublin

Bishop of Cork Takes Part in IDAHO DAY Service at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral Cork

The Bishop of Cork, the Rt. Revd. Paul Colton took part in the IDAHO DAY service at St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral Cork last Sunday (17th May) to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, which was arranged by the Christian pro-gay group Changing Attitude Ireland. Also taking part were the Very Rev. Nigel Dunne, Dean of Cork, Dr Richard O’Leary of Changing Attitude Ireland and Ms Dolores Mannion who gave the address at the service.

According to Dr Richard O’Leary of Changing Attitude Ireland:

“Homophobia is an issue for Irish society generally, but even more so in churches, where there has been a tradition of prejudice against persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered. While many churches in Ireland can be commended for addressing racism, they have been reluctant so far to challenge or even to recognize the existence of homophobia.

Senator David Norris at the IDAHO DAY Service at Christ Church Cathedral Dublin

Senator David Norris gave the address at Christ Church Cathedral Dublin last Sunday (17th May) for the IDAHO DAY service to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, which was arranged by the Christian pro-gay group Changing Attitude Ireland. Also taking part were the Revd. Norma McMaster, Very Rev. Dermot Dunne, Dean of Christ Church and Revd. Mervyn Kingston of Changing Attitude Ireland.

In his address at Christ Church Cathedral Dublin Senator Norris stated that:

“No Christian Church has ever told the truth about human sexuality. It is time for the Church not only to change its attitude but to acknowledge the sinfulness of its dealings with gay people. Theology itself is not guiltless, a specialized language has been forged which is out of touch with everyday reality and common sense. He added that “In Ireland we have the ludicrous situation that the Christian Churches sought and were granted an exemption from equality legislation. One might well question how it is in the spirit of Christ to do this or how it is tolerable in the aftermath of the Ferns Report”.

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Church of Ireland and other congregations where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Christians can be guaranteed a welcome.

Changing Attitude Ireland (C.A.I.) is a Church of Ireland organisation with ecumenical friends, heterosexual and gay, lay and ordained, working for the full affirmation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons within the Churches in Ireland. C.A.I. is dedicated to celebrating and maintaining the traditional inclusivity and diversity of the Anglican Communion. More info

From our Multimedia archives

Tributes were paid to Senator David Norris for his courage and leadership in pioneering gay rights in Ireland following the Changing Attitude Ireland public lecture in St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, on Saturday October 27. [Continue Reading]

About Changing Attitude Ireland

Changing Attitude Ireland (C.A.I.) is a Church of Ireland organisation with ecumenical friends, heterosexual and gay, lay and ordained, working for the full affirmation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons within the Churches in Ireland. C.A.I. is dedicated to celebrating and maintaining the traditional inclusivity and diversity of the Anglican Communion. More info

The Changing Attitude Ireland Prayer

Lord of our relationships:
Comfort and sustain all in our community who feel marginalised
and open our hearts to those who are in any way different.
Bless all our relationships that in and through them
we may recognise more clearly the greatness of your love.
Give us patience and understanding
as we seek to build bridges between those who disagree.
Help us to love our neighbours as ourselves
and to serve family, friend and stranger in your name,
loving one another as you love us;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.